Some call it the ultimate symbol of success and of sophistication, others view it as a parade of excess. Love it or not, you can’t deny that Mayfair oozes luxury — from exclusive members’ clubs to the polished storefronts of Bond Street. It’s only fitting that this district, where square footage costs a small fortune, is home to upscale culinary venues, whether they’re beckoning to show off designer outfits or offering hidden, silent refinement. I’ve tested spots from both ends of the spectrum and handpicked those worthy of being named the best restaurants in Mayfair.
I’d say Novikov Restaurant & Bar is the epitome of Mayfair — sleek, ultra-stylish, glamorous, and just a touch ostentatious, in the best possible way. In other words, I actually think twice about my outfit before heading there. Walking through its glossy doors on Berkeley Street feels like stepping into the front row of a fashion show, where the spotlight is never far away.
More than a decade on, this spot remains the quintessential destination to see and be seen, keeping the energy alive and managing to avoid the dreaded fate of becoming outdated or dull. What’s even better about this place? The eclectic mix of Asian and Italian cuisines — a real touchdown! That incredible seafood display always leaves me with no choice but to indulge in decadent black cod or premium sushi. Though, that doesn’t mean you should miss out on those gourmet pasta dishes.
Lobster gunkan — £30
Isabel clearly knows how to cater to the well-heeled crowd, playing up those chi-chi notes effortlessly. You can instantly tell it apart from other posh spots in the area thanks to its ceiling entirely made up of round brass lamps. Luxurious? Undoubtedly. But I can’t help but feel a slight twinge of trypophobia every time I look up. Otherwise, the Beaux-Arts-inspired interior is dripping in ornate details, gold accents, and fabric-paneled walls that scream luxury.
It’s so Instagrammable in every corner, you’ll want to bring your best photo pose — and a healthy dose of patience for all the guests doing the same. The flashy bar, with its impeccable glasses sparkling under the light, practically forces you to indulge in a cocktail — and I’d definitely recommend kicking things off with sweet and tropical Pacific Breeze. For the food, Galician octopus with paprika is a reassuringly excellent starter, easily the highlight of the meal.
Galician octopus — £22
If you ask me for a solid date spot in Mayfair, I’d likely suggest The Dover. Everything about this place exudes romance in that perfectly calculated way — soft, delicate lighting, candles gracing double-clothed tables, and the rich, moody embrace of wood-paneled walls. The layout and acoustics are designed for privacy. I felt so at ease in my conversations, even in the small space, that I’d recommend it to anyone whispering love stories or sharing juicy secrets. Their New-York-style Italian fare, undeniably suave and seductive, follows the same alluring script.
I know their beef arrosto is a popular choice, and while it’s certainly good, it was not a can’t-miss for me. Instead, I opted for deceptively simple parmigiana americanata, elevated by indulgent Parmesan fondue. At the end of the soirée, I felt like it was the perfect spot to stretch the night a little longer at the bar with a classic negroni in hand.
Parmigiana — £24
I can’t stop sharing this find, though I wouldn’t want to ruin its under-the-radar vibe — but, let’s be honest, that’s probably inevitable. However, the understated entrance whispers that it wants to be a secluded spot, and so far, The Cocochine has a private, intimate, almost personal dialogue with gastronomy. The interior doesn’t boast flashy decor or Versailles-level extravagance, but its surfaces and textures invite quiet contemplation.
True to the best traditions of fine dining, the cuisine here is a revelation — seasonal, sourced from regenerative farms, and perfectly aligned with my aesthetic expectations. Scottish hand-dived scallops are crisp, premium produce delicately enhanced with pumpkin and dashi, while dry-aged John Dory magically mingles with foie gras and pear. The wine selection is exceptional, but your wallet will definitely feel it.
3-course menu — £145
Yes, there are plenty of chic, glitzy, and pompous restaurants in Mayfair, but it’s an honor for me to spotlight a long-standing gem that serves utterly authentic Japanese cuisine. Immune to passing trends, Ikeda simply does it right — and for that, it’s highly revered. Ikeda is a grand institution for sushi, though the gray, minimalist interior gives no clue to its stature. The crowd is diverse, from Japanese guests whose satisfied expressions speak volumes, to Hollywood stars giving their approval.
Honestly, I can’t recall ever going wrong with my dish choices, whether it was meat or fish. My favorite tuna sashimi features three different cuts, and I choose the leanest for its meaty consistency, paired perfectly with ponzu-sesame sauce. Hand-rolled sushi is a masterclass in precision and passion — from texture to temperature, it’s clear there are true devotees at work, with uncompromising quality in every ingredient.
Fatty tuna sashimi — £68
A rare breath of fresh air in pretentious Mayfair, El Pirata is a place where I happily drop in for black rice with seafood and a side of unapologetic chit-chat buzzing through the room. A true pirate refusing to wear a tuxedo, it offers nothing to gaze at — aside from a few quirky artworks — as it’s simply a cheerful tapas bar brimming with Spanish spirit.
Naturally, it’s much more fun — and clearly intended — for a lively group of friends, where everyone dives in and samples a bit of everything on the table. This is exactly what I usually do here. Chorizo and quail egg mini buns, pil-pil gambas, Iberian ham croquettes — each dish I tried between bursts of laughter was hedonistically delicious. Of course, sangria is on the menu, but to me, it’s too watery, so I’d suggest skipping it and going for a solid bottle of Tempranillo instead.
Black rice — £12.5
